guarana

noun

gua·​ra·​na ˌgwä-rə-ˈnä 

: a dried paste that is made from the seeds of a South American climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) of the soapberry family, that contains caffeine and tannin, and that is used as a stimulant

also : this plant

Examples of guarana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The guarana plant contains four times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 1 July 2024

The drink includes multiple sources of caffeine, including coffee and guarana extracts, and a high amount of sugar. —Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024

The formula is enriched with guarana and hydrating cupuacu butter. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2023

Natural sources of caffeine like green tea extract or guarana tend to be better tolerated by many individuals compared to synthetic alternatives. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese guaraná, from Nhengatu (Tupi-based lingua franca of Amazonia), from Sateré-Mawé (Tupian language of the middle Amazon River basin) warana

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

guarana

noun

gua·​ra·​na ˌgwär-ə-ˈnä 

: a dried paste made from the seeds of a Brazilian climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) containing tannin and caffeine and used in making an astringent drink